Isoprene is an organic compound that is an unsaturated hydrocarbon and has the formula CH2=C(CH3)−CH=CH2. The IUPAC name of this is 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene. It is colourless and volatile in its pure and natural form. Several plants and animals produce isoprene. Rubber is made up of these isoprene monomers. Isoprene emissions by the plants help in dealing with abiotic stresses.
This compound is being incorporated into the cell walls of plants. It is being studied that isoprene units aid in protecting the plants against high temperatures like 40 degrees Celsius. Isoprene is produced as a result of the cracking of oil so it is easily available in tin industries and hence, a major portion of this isoprene is used in the synthesis of rubber.
